1. Kansas
Key Returners- Udoka Azuibike, Devon Dotson, Silvio De Sousa, Mitch Lightfoot, Ochai Agbaji, Marcus Garrett, David McCormick
Key Additions- Jalen Wilson, Isaiah Moss
Expectations
Kansas has one of the best centers and points guards in the game with Udoka Azubuike and Devon Dotson, who will continue to excel. Also, Ochai Agbaji will look to continue to break out and be a versatile threat on the wing. Also, the return of Silvio De Sousa will help tremendously in the frontcourt and the addition of Isaiah Moss will give them a knockdown shooter. Their bench will be very solid with David McCormick, Jalen Wilson and Mitch Lightfoot. Further, Kansas has a great opportunity to contend for a national championship.
2. Texas Tech
Key Returners- Davide Moretti, Kyler Edwards
Key Additions- Chris Clarke, T.J. Holyfield, Jahmi’us Ramsey, Joel Ntambwe, Terrance Shannon Jr., Tyreek Smith
Expectations
Chris Beard is coming off a season leading Texas Tech to the national championship game. The two biggest Returners are Davide Moretti and Kyler Edwards who will both continue to develop into a dynamic backcourt. Next, the graduate transfer will again be huge for Texas Tech’s success with Chris Clarke and T.J. Holyfield incoming with great potential. Further, the freshman has a great opportunity to contribute which will be led by Jahmi’us Ramsey. Texas Tech will continue to be in the national picture come March.
3. Baylor
Key Returners- Tristan Clark, Mario Kegler, Adam Flager, Mark Vital, Jared Butler, Matthew Mayer
Key Additions- Davion Mitchell, MaCio Teague
Expectations
Scott Drew has as talented a roster during his time at Baylor. Furthermore, they are returning one of the best forwards in the country in Tristan Clark. Also, the incoming transfers of Davion Mitchell and MaCio Teague will each have a great impact. In addition, Jared Butler brings really good experience in the backcourt along with Matthew Mayer and Mario Kegler as great role players on the wings. Baylor will have a very good chance of advancing deep into the NCAA tournament.
4. Texas
Key Returners- Matt Coleman, Courtney Ramey, Andrew Jones, Jericho Sims, Jase Febres
Key Additions- Will Baker, Kai Jones, Donovan Williams
Expectations
5. Oklahoma State
Key Returners- Lindy Waters, Cameron McGriff, Issac Likekele, Yor Anei
Key Additions- Jonathan Laurent, Marcus Watson, Avery Anderson, Chris Harris Jr.
Expectations
Mike Boyton has a very solid returning group led by Cameron McGriff who is a force to be had in the frontcourt. Also, Lindy Waters who is as good of a shooter in the country. Next, Issac Likekele has great athleticism but needs to become a more efficient scorer and a better distributor. Jonathan Laurent is very key to the potential success for Oklahoma State as he can give great minutes on the wing. Momentum is building for Mike Boyton to have success in year three.
6. Oklahoma
Key Returners-Brady Manek, Kristian Doolittle, Jamal Bieniemy
Key Additions- Austin Reaves, De’Vion Harmon, Jalen Hill, Victor Iwuakor, Alondes Williams, Corbin Merritt
Expectations
Oklahoma has a veteran team returning with a very solid frontcourt with Brady Manek and Kristian Doolittle. Also, the backcourt should be able to score at a high level with Jamal Bieniemy and the addition of Austin Reaves a sharpshooter. Next, De’Vion Harmon will have the opportunity to be the true point guard and facilitate to the very strong core around him he’s the key to their success. The bench will need to develop with Alondes Williams and Corbin Merritt. Lon Kruger could have a very good offense next season and return to the NCAA tournament.
7. West Virginia
Key Returners- Jordan McCabe, Derek Culver, Chase Harler, Jermaine Haley, Brandon Knapper, Emmitt Mathews Jr.,
Key Additions- Oscar Tshiebwe, Jalen Bridges
Expectations
After missing the NCAA tournament last season Bob Huggins has very good returners ready to get back. Jordan McCabe and Brandon Knapper will be in the backcourt with the opportunity to be a solid combination. Also, Derek Culver is a force down low and should develop into one of the best forwards in the Big 12. Further, Chase Harley and Emmitt Mathews Jr. will operate the wings and should develop into very solid scores. Next, the big addition is Oscar Tshiebwe who can replace Sagaba Konate and be that athletic player around the basket. Bob Huggins has a team ready to make the NCAA tournament.
8. Iowa State
Key Returners- Michael Jacobson, Tyrese Haliburton, Solomon Young, George Conditt
Key Additions- Rasir Bolton, Caleb Grill, Prentiss Nixon
Expectations
9. Kansas State
Key Returners- Cartier Diarra, James Love, Makol Mawien, Mike McGuirl, Xavier Snead, Levi Stockard
Key Additions- David Sloan, Dajuan Gordon, Montavious Murphy
Expectations
Bruce Weber has the return of Xavier Snead who will be the lead scorer and brings great versatility. Next, Cartier Diarra will have the opportunity to run the point and will need to develop into a better shooter, but has a very good potential for this season. Further, the frontcourt will have some concern Levi Stockard and Mike McGuirl will have to step up and be able to bring good production. DaJuan Gordon will have the opportunity to be an impact freshman on the perimeter. Kansas State has a solid team but will be likely an NIT team.
10. TCU
Key Returners- Desmond Bane, Kevin Samuel, RJ Nembhard, Russell Barlow
Key Additions- P.J. Fuller, Edric Dennis Jr., Jaire Grayer, Jaedon LeDee, Keonte Kennedy
Expectations
Jamie Dixon has an interesting blend of returners and newcomers. The backcourt will be led by Desmond Bane who’s the ability to score will be the foul point. Also, Kevin Samuel returns and will be one of the best centers in the Big 12 he must continue to develop his skill set around the basket. Further, P.J. Fuller will be an impact freshman who can take on the scoring load as well. In addition, Jaedon LeDee will big the most important transfer as he could make the frontcourt very difficult to stop. TCU has the opportunity to be tough out throughout the season.
Images Courtesy of, Busting Brackets, Houston Chronicle, Wide Right & Natty Lite
You can “Like” The Game Haus on Facebook and “Follow” us on Twitter for more sports and esports articles written by other great TGH writers along with James!
“From Our Haus to Yours”